Phil_H – Thanks for the link – I think there are some useful suggestions on there that I may well try out. It seems to make sense too.

Training ride tomorrow night – I’ll see how I get on with a bit more info to guide me.

Thanks again guys.

Stato – I think you’re right – More, less intense rides and build up may be the answer! I think I have a learning curve about how my body feels when doing this type of riding. All good to know though.

I did wonder if it was the drinks – I do mix to the instructions. I guess the combination of the exertion and the drinks isn’t helping. I’ll persevere with the effort and drop the drinks for now and see what happens.

I have always struggled with recovery (IBS doesn’t help) – I’m of a slight build anyway and I don’t seem to be able to recover very quickly. Think “zombie” the next day after a hard ride. Are there any foods that you recommend that are good for recovery? Most info I have read seems to say chocolate milk is good – but I can’t have dairy.

Thanks for the advice so far!

FieldMarshall – Ignore what I said earlier – mine is an 18″ frame. For some reason I thought it was a 20″ frame.

I’m 5’10”, with a 34″ inside leg – I ride a 20″ if that helps. Any smaller and the seat post (Thomson) doesn’t go high enough.

Thanks guys – that seems to be pretty good then.

Carlos – thanks for the code!

Thanks Ton – Does the bladder sit wrapped around the lower back, not vertically like the usual Camelbacks?